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Destination Wedding Planners In Gili Islands

What Makes Gili Islands The Perfect Location for A Destination Wedding in Indonesia

If you are looking for a laid-back, breathtakingly beautiful, and car-free island wedding, the Gili Islands are exactly what you need. Nestled off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, this trio of islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – offers pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an intimate ‘island life’ that feels like a private escape. Unlike Bali’s bustling beaches, the Gili Islands offer a more serene and exclusive setting. Here, there are no cars or motorbikes. You will only see bicycles, horse-drawn carts, and barefoot strolls along the shore. Whether you are dreaming of a luxury beachfront villa ceremony, a boho-chic barefoot wedding, or an underwater vow exchange, Gili delivers a wedding experience unlike any other. Each island has its own charm: Gili Trawangan is the lively one with beach clubs and vibrant nightlife, Gili Meno is the ultimate honeymoon escape with its secluded beaches, and Gili Air strikes the perfect balance between the two. No matter which island you choose, a wedding here is pure magic that cannot be described in words.

Here are the 4 reasons that make Gili Islands the top choice of couples for their big day in Indonesia:

  • The Gili Islands offer an exclusive, private escape, making them the perfect destination for couples who want an intimate wedding. With no cars or crowds, just the sound of waves and swaying palm trees, your ceremony will feel like a dream.
  • You can choose between three fantastic options: Gili Meno for ultimate seclusion, Gili Air for a relaxed vibe, or Gili Trawangan for a mix of luxury and nightlife
  • Why settle for a traditional wedding when you can get married underwater or celebrate with a beachfront bonfire under the stars? The Gili Islands allow couples to personalize their wedding in a way that is impossible elsewhere.
  • One of the biggest perks of getting married in the Gili Islands is that you don’t have to travel far for your honeymoon. With vibrant marine life, scenic bike rides, and romantic sunset cruises, the Gili Islands are the perfect wedding + honeymoon combo destination.

Best Time to Get Married in the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands enjoy year-round tropical warmth. But choosing the right time ensures your wedding is picture-perfect without unexpected weather surprises.

The dry season is the most popular time for weddings. From May to October, the islands experience minimal rain, clear blue skies, and calm waters, making it ideal for outdoor beach weddings. The temperature stays between 27-30°C, with comfortable humidity levels.

If you want fewer crowds and slightly better rates, April and November are great options. While these months may have occasional light rain, they still offer beautiful weather and quieter beaches.

From December to March, the islands experience more frequent rainfall and stronger winds, which can affect boat transfers, outdoor events, and visibility for underwater activities. While some couples still opt for this time due to lower accommodation costs, it is best to have an indoor or covered venue as a backup.

Sunsets in the Gili Islands are breathtaking, and the best time to plan a ceremony is between 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. The sky transforms into shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating an unforgettable natural backdrop for your vows.

We Get You the Best Wedding Venues & Accommodations in the Gili Islands


The Gili Islands offer a breathtaking mix of island hideaways. But the Gili Islands are best known for their eco-friendly luxury stays. If you want a wedding that aligns with sustainability, we help you book stunning bamboo-built resorts, glamping retreats, and eco-villas that offer both style and ethical hospitality. No matter the kind of venue you are searching for, we have access to the best venues and accommodations on the island.

For couples dreaming of a white sand beach wedding, we connect you with top-tier resorts that offer infinity pools and secluded beach spaces. Want a secluded, all-in-one venue? You can host your wedding, reception, and stay with your guests – all in one place. These villas offer complete privacy and luxury for an intimate escape. For a truly one-of-a-kind wedding, we highly recommend an overwater ceremony on a floating platform or a reception at an oceanfront sunset lounge.

Hosting a multi-day wedding? We also help coordinate full wedding buyouts for you and your guests to have the best accommodations. You can dream of anything – luxury suites, beachfront bungalows, or charming island stays – we have got it all in our files. We also manage guest transfers by private boats, so everyone arrives smoothly.

We Bring You the Best Wedding Catering in the Gili Islands

A wedding in the Gili Islands is not complete without a feast that screams ‘island life’. Whether you want a sunset seafood barbecue by the beach, a fine-dining plated menu, or a tropical Indonesian buffet, we connect you with the best wedding caterers on the island for a perfect beach dinner.

The Gili Islands are famous for their fresh seafood, and our caterers specialize in preparing ocean-to-table delights. Picture grilled lobster, butter-garlic prawns, seared tuna, and whole snapper cooked over an open fire—perfect for a relaxed beachfront wedding. Want a taste of Lombok’s rich flavors? We bring in caterers who serve Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken), Beberuk Terong (spiced eggplant salad), and traditional Sasak-style rice dishes, all beautifully plated with banana leaves and fresh garnishes.

For couples who prefer an international touch, we have caterers offering modern fusion menus. If you want a classic French or Italian fine-dining experience, we have got that covered too. Make your wedding meal interactive with live grilling stations, fresh sushi bars, and tropical fruit carving displays. Guests can watch chefs prepare their meals in real time, adding to the immersive island experience.

A tropical wedding isn’t complete without signature cocktails. We work with bartenders who craft custom drinks infused with island flavors – coconut mojitos, passionfruit margaritas, and lemongrass-infused gin spritzers. Prefer a fire-lit tiki bar setup? We will arrange that too. From casual beachfront feasts to elegant plated dinners, we ensure your wedding catering in the Gili Islands is a sensory experience that your guests will remember long after the last toast.

We Bring You the Finest Wedding Decorators in the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands offer a natural paradise for weddings. But the right décor is what truly brings the vision to life. Whether you want a tropical beach setup or a rustic bohemian theme, we work with the most talented decorators who know how to work with the island’s raw beauty without overpowering it.

The Gili Islands are known for their commitment to sustainability, and your wedding can reflect this by using locally sourced flowers, organic catering, and eco-friendly décor. Think bamboo furniture, palm leaf centerpieces, and floral arrangements using tropical blooms like plumeria and frangipani. Support local artisans and use biodegradable items to reduce the environmental impact. If you are looking for something unique, you can also go for one of our trusted vendors to design floating floral installations over pools or ocean decks.

Since Gili has minimal artificial lighting at night, we bring in decorators who specialize in customized lighting solutions, too. From twinkling fairy lights over dinner tables to tiki torches leading to the ceremony aisle. Want a touch of Sasak or Balinese tradition? We also know decorators who can incorporate cultural wedding elements, such as woven Lombok ikat fabrics and coconut leaf arrangements for that authentic island feel.

No matter your vision, we match you with the best wedding decorators in Gili, ensuring that every detail reflects your style while complementing the island’s raw beauty.

Legal Requirements to Marry in the Gili Islands

Getting legally married in the Gili Islands follows Indonesian marriage laws. This requires specific paperwork and religious ceremonies. Here’s what you need to know:

Indonesian law requires all marriages to be conducted under one of the six recognized religions: Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Confucianism. If you and your partner are of different faiths, one must convert before the ceremony. Civil marriages alone are not legally recognized.

Required Documents:
To get legally married in the Gili Islands, you must provide:

  • Passports (copies of the main page and entry visa stamp)
  • Birth certificates
  • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your embassy in Indonesia, stating you are free to marry
  • Proof of religion (baptism certificate for Christians, or a religious letter from a recognized institution)
  • Four passport-sized photos of the couple (with a red background)
  • Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)

Muslim marriages are registered with the Kantor Urusan Agama (KUA) (Office of Religious Affairs) and are legally recognized without needing civil registration. Non-Muslim marriages must be performed in a religious ceremony first and then registered at the Civil Registry Office (Catatan Sipil) in Lombok to be legally valid. You need to be in Indonesia for a few days before the wedding to complete paperwork. After registration, you will receive an Indonesian marriage certificate.

Many couples choose to have a symbolic wedding in Gili and complete the legal paperwork in their home country. This avoids the complexities of religious and civil documentation in Indonesia while still allowing a stunning island ceremony.

Since the Gili Islands lack government offices, many legal processes must be completed in Lombok. This is why working with a locally experienced wedding planning company in Gili Island like TWS can be a life-saver!

 

Steps to Plan Your Wedding in the Gili Islands

Planning a wedding in the Gili Islands is magical but requires smart planning. With the right team, you can enjoy every moment while we handle the details!

  • Pick the right Gili Island for your wedding vibe: Each Gili Island offers a unique experience. Gili Trawangan is lively and perfect for a wedding that turns into a party. Gili Meno is the ultimate romantic escape, ideal for intimate, secluded ceremonies. Gili Air blends both worlds. Choose the right island based on your vision.
  • Lock in your dream venue early: The premium venues with good facilities book out fast, especially during the dry season (May–October). Since there are no massive hotels here, accommodations are limited. Secure your venue at least 9–12 months ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Plan for island-style logistics: No cars, no taxis. Only bicycles, horse carts (cidomos), and boats! This means extra planning for transporting guests, décor, and supplies. Work with a local wedding planner in Gili Islands (like us) who knows how to coordinate boat schedules, transfers, and on-island logistics smoothly.
  • Get legal or keep it symbolic: A legally recognized wedding in Indonesia requires specific paperwork and religious ceremonies, which can be complicated for foreigners. At TWS, we assist you with the entire legal process so that your wedding is valid here!
  • Book reliable vendors with island experience: Gili vendors work differently from those in Bali or Lombok. Some caterers and vendors operate from Lombok and need advance transportation booking. Your vendors need to be familiar with the island setup. We can help you onboard the best talent from nearby locations.
  • Plan around the weather & tides: The dry season (May–October) is best for clear skies and calm seas. However, tide levels can impact beachfront ceremonies. Some locations have wide sandy shores in the morning but disappear by sunset. We help you time your ceremony perfectly so you don’t end up with wet feet (unless you want to!).
  • Go the eco-friendly route: The Gili Islands take sustainability seriously. Avoid plastic décor, opt for local flowers, and choose venues that support eco-conscious weddings. It is essential for preserving this paradise.
  • Have a backup plan for everything: Island life is unpredictable. Power cuts, unexpected rain, or last-minute ferry delays can happen. A well-prepared wedding planner will have contingency plans, backup generators, and alternate transport options to keep things running smoothly.

Why Choose The Wedding Saga as the Best Wedding Planners in the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands are unlike any other wedding destination — no cars, no traffic, just pure island beauty. But that also means planning a wedding here is not as straightforward as in a big city. Getting married on a tiny island sounds like a dream, but the logistics can be tricky. Boats run on schedules (and sometimes, on island time). Power can be spotty, and moving wedding essentials between islands requires experience. We have deep local connections with venues, caterers, decorators, and transport providers who are used to the island’s unique rules. From sourcing the freshest seafood for your reception to managing backup power solutions if needed, we handle it all.

While most couples pick the popular beachfront venues, we go beyond the usual. We know private beachfront villas and completely secluded island spots for couples who want total privacy. Whether it is a candlelit dinner by the water or an all-night beach party under the stars, we unlock venues you won’t find online. Many vendors in the Gili Islands work independently and are not always listed online. With our network, we bring you the best decorators, caterers, and vendors. And on your big day, we’re there to handle everything, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

The Gili Islands take sustainability seriously, and so do we. From plastic-free wedding setups to biodegradable décor and locally sourced florals, we ensure your wedding respects the island’s eco-conscious way of life. If you want a zero-waste wedding or an entirely plant-based menu, we can make it happen without compromising on style. With The Wedding Saga, your Gili Islands wedding won’t just be picturesque, it will be perfectly executed and stress-free.

Things to Keep in Mind While Planning Your Wedding in the Gili Islands

Planning your wedding on the Gili Islands can be a dream come true. But it is essential to understand the unique logistics, weather, and cultural nuances that come with choosing this exotic location.

  • The islands are accessible via boat from Lombok or Bali, and boat schedules can be weather-dependent. It is essential to provide guests with clear instructions on how to get to the islands, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the area.
  • The Gili Islands are known for their charm and simplicity. But this means you will find fewer amenities and infrastructure compared to larger cities. Make sure you check with vendors about electricity availability, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
  • The Gili Islands are car-free. So transportation will likely be on foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage (cidomo). It means you will need to plan for transportation logistics in a way that respects the eco-friendly vibe.
  • The Gili Islands are part of Lombok, which is predominantly Muslim. While the atmosphere is welcoming to tourists, it is important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette, particularly regarding dress code and behavior.
  • If you are considering getting married on the beach or in a natural, protected area like Gili Trawangan’s Marine Reserve, permits might be needed.
  • The Gili Islands are perfect for intimate weddings. But venue capacities can be limited due to the size of the islands and the fact that most accommodations are boutique-style resorts.
  • The Gili Islands are committed to sustainable tourism, and many venues emphasize eco-friendly practices.
  • While the Gili Islands offer an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding, keep in mind that some vendors and services can be more expensive due to the remote location. The cost of importing certain wedding items can also add to the overall cost.

How to Reach Gili Islands?

Want to make an entrance? Arrive in style via private yacht from Bali, Lombok, or even international waters. Gili Trawangan and Gili Air have designated mooring points for private yachts.
 
 
For those coming from Bali, fast boats operate daily from Padang Bai, Serangan, Sanur, and Amed to the Gili Islands. The journey takes 1.5–3 hours, depending on sea conditions.
 
Want to make an entrance? Arrive in style via private yacht from Bali, Lombok, or even international waters. Gili Trawangan and Gili Air have designated mooring points for private yachts.
 
Istanbul has a comprehensive public transportation system which includes buses, metro lines, trams, ferries, and taxis.
 

How to Add Gili Island's Unique Touch to Your Wedding

  • Gili Islands are famous for their pristine white-sand beaches and stunning sunsets. This natural beauty can instantly brighten your ceremony photos.
  • For adventurous couples, the Gili Islands’ crystal-clear waters provide the perfect opportunity for a unique underwater photoshoot with vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
  • You can have a “Sasak Blessing,” a ceremony where an elder offers blessings through songs and dances.
  • The Gili Islands are known for their commitment to sustainability, and your wedding can reflect this by using locally sourced flowers, organic catering, and eco-friendly décor.
  • Think bamboo furniture, palm leaf centerpieces, and floral arrangements using tropical blooms like plumeria and frangipani. Support local artisans and use biodegradable items to reduce the environmental impact.
  • Enhance the romance of the day by arriving at your ceremony or departing for your honeymoon via a private boat ride across the tranquil waters of the Gili Islands.
  • Embrace the islands’ tropical vibe by curating a wedding menu that highlights fresh local produce and seafood. Include dishes like Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and Sate Lilit (grilled minced fish skewers).
  • To end the meal, serve Klepon (sweet rice cakes) or Es Kelapa Muda (young coconut ice dessert) for a true taste of Bali and Lombok.
  • The Gili Islands are car-free zones. For a fun, unique twist, make your entrance on the back of a bicycle.
  • Hire traditional Gamelan or acoustic musicians to perform live during your wedding or reception. Their music will set the tone for a romantic celebration, deeply connected to the island’s cultural roots.
 

Services

Complete Wedding Planning

We offer comprehensive assistance in organizing and executing every aspect of your wedding, from concept, venue & vendor management, negotiations to overlooking logistics on the celebration day, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Venue Booking

With years of experience and a vast network of rusted venues, we excel in finding the perfect match according to your vision, budget, guest list, ensuring a memorable setting for your special day.

Wedding Decor

Our expertise lies in creating breathtaking and personalized settings through creativity, attention to detail, and personalization to turn your wedding dreams into a reality. We infuse our years of experience in creative wedding decors with your vision to create a memorable setting.

Vendor Sourcing

We have built a robust network of trusted suppliers and professionals serving different locations which allow us to match your needs and budget with the top-notch vendors. We also take care of vendor negotiations and on-site logistics on the wedding day, letting you enjoy your day without any worries.

Wedding Packages

Our expertise lies in crafting all-inclusive solutions that cater to your unique vision and budget, streamlining the planning process and ensuring a well-coordinated wedding experience that reflects your individual style.

Client Servicing

Our services are based on commitment to personalization, strong communication, and dedication to ensure your needs are not only met but exceeded.

FAQ

1. Do we need a local wedding planner for a wedding in the Gili Islands?

Yes! The Gili Islands are remote and have unique logistical challenges. Many vendors operate on a small-scale, word-of-mouth basis. A locally experienced wedding planner like TWS ensures seamless coordination with venues, boat transfers, and vendors. We also handle island-specific permits and help source reliable catering and décor services, as there are limited high-end options directly on the islands.

The dry season (May to October) is the best time for weddings. The rainy season (November to March) can bring unpredictable showers and rougher seas, which might disrupt travel and outdoor celebrations. If you plan a beach wedding, aim for late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Indonesia has strict legal requirements for marriage. Religious ceremonies must align with the country’s recognized religions. Many foreign couples opt for a symbolic or blessing ceremony in Gili and handle legal registration in Bali or their home country. A planner like us can guide you through the best option for your situation.

Guests typically arrive via fast boat from Bali (1.5-2 hours) or Lombok (20-30 minutes). If you have a large group, it is best to arrange private boat charters to ensure smooth transfers. We often coordinate group transportation, including private speedboats

  • Fresh Grilled Seafood – Snapper, prawns, and lobster straight from local fishermen.
  • Ayam Taliwang – Spicy grilled chicken, a Lombok specialty.
  • Plecing Kangkung – Water spinach with sambal, perfect as a side.
  • Coconut & Tropical Fruit Cocktails – Fresh coconuts and signature cocktails make great welcome drinks.

Most venues allow photography. But drone usage is restricted in some areas due to environmental concerns. Be mindful of marine conservation zones and private resorts that may have specific rules. Always check with your venue beforehand.

For peak wedding months (June–September), book at least 12 months in advance. If you want a specific venue or date, early reservations are key. Options on the islands are limited compared to Bali.

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  • reach@theweddingsaga.com

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